Baseball Training Methods and Systems

ABSTRACT

A training device, comprising a plurality of track bars mounted to vertical posts with a plurality of tracks extending between the track bars forming a swing plane guide that can be used to guide a batter&#39;s swing along a bat path. In various exemplary embodiments, movable balls are positioned on one or more of the tracks, and the tracks are made of bungee cord.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/728,347 filed on Nov. 20, 2012, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of sports training methods and systems. In particular, the invention relates to methods and systems for training baseball players and others to improve their hitting, fielding, and throwing.

2. Description of Related Art

Consistently hitting a pitched baseball is often described as one of the most difficult undertakings in sports. A hitter has only a fraction of a second to determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, then initiate a swing in the correct plane and the right timing to intersect the path of the ball. The strike zone also has a substantial width and height, so a hitter must be able to swing the bat in a variety of different planes that maximize the likelihood of contacting a pitch in any particular location within the strike zone.

Prior art training systems for hitters fail to effectively train batters to properly pre-load their swing or to bring the bat into the correct swing plane at the right time and maintain it in that swing plane for as long as possible. Various features of the present invention overcome these deficiencies, providing a training method and system that allows hitters at every level to significantly improve their hitting ability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A training device, comprising a plurality of track bars mounted to vertical posts with a plurality of tracks extending between the track bars forming a swing plane guide that can be used to guide a batter's swing along a bat path. In various exemplary embodiments, movable balls are positioned on one or more of the tracks, and the tracks are made of bungee cord.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the impact of spin on air pressure around a moving ball.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing analog clock positions on a baseball as seen from the catcher's point of view and from a pitcher's point of view.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a batter using an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a batter using an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a batter using an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing various configurations and arrangements of foot blocks in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks and a training ladder in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment and arrangement of foot blocks and a training ladder in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a pitch timing system being used with a swing track device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing dynamic and static swing stages and timing relative to delivery of a pitch.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a pitch timing system being used with a swing track device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device being used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device being used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device being used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a swing track device being used in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a slotted bat in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a three dimensional strike zone in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Baseball is a game of science. The laws of physics dictate how the ball moves and only by understanding the basic physics of ball flight and developing a swing that takes them into account can a hitter develop a consistent, effective swing. As can be seen from the movement of pitches based on the spin imparted by the pitcher, because of its raised seams and materials the spin of a baseball dramatically affects its flight.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a baseball 100 in flight is effectively pushing through the air on its flight path. A ball that is spinning as it moves through the air will create an air pressure differential that can materially affect its flight path. For example, if a ball has pure backspin as shown in FIG. 1A, the spinning movement of the ball allows the air on the top side of the ball which is spinning away from the direction of travel to pass more easily, reducing the air pressure on that side of the ball. At the same time, the spinning movement of the ball increases the air pressure on the bottom side of the ball which is spinning toward the direction of travel, increasing the air pressure on that side of the ball. The result is commonly referred to as the Magnus force, causing the ball rise as it moves away from high pressure and toward lower pressure.

A ball that is hit squarely and below center—sometimes described as “6 o'clock” in reference to the position on an analog clock—will leave the bat with backspin. Because this backspin reduces the air pressure on the top side of the ball and increases it on the bottom side of the ball, a ball with backspin will tend to rise during flight. A ball hit squarely and above center—at 12 o'clock—will have topspin, which will increase the air pressure on the top side of the ball and decrease it on the bottom side of the ball, causing the ball to curve downward.

A ball hit below center and at a slight angle such as at the 8 o'clock position will come off the bat with off-axis backspin, increasing the air pressure at the 8 o-clock position, decreasing it at the 2 o'clock position, and causing the ball to rise and curve. This results in a ball flight that slices or hooks. The amount of slice or hook depends on how far off-axis the ball is struck, such that a ball hit by a right-handed hitter at 7 o'clock will tend to slice away from the hitter, while a ball hit at 8 o'clock will slice more dramatically. A ball hit perfectly square will leave the bat with little or no spin and may move erratically like a knuckleball pitch. The same effects are seen in pitched balls such that a ball thrown with topspin will sink, and a ball thrown with spin off-axis such as at 2 o'clock will tend to curve and sink or “cut.”

As a result, in most instances hitters want to strike the ball slightly below center and as squarely as possible to establish a good launch angle and backspin to increase the distance the ball travels and prevent it from hooking or slicing foul. Both the ball and bat present curved surfaces, so even minor upward or downward shifts in the point of impact can dramatically impact the launch angle and spin. In addition, many baseball and softball bats have a relatively small barrel area or sweet spot in which the bat will impart the most energy to the ball. This sweet spot is generally smaller than the width of the plate. Thus, the goal for hitters is to put the sweet spot of the bat in the strike zone at the correct time and place, and on a plane so it will strike the ball square and slightly below center with maximum bat speed.

To achieve this goal, the hitter must be able to accelerate the barrel of the bat into the correct swing plane for the particular pitch thrown almost instantly. This requires the batter to pre-load the swing to maximize the potential energy that each critical part of the hitters body—legs, core muscles, and arms—can convert to kinetic energy in the form of bat speed. The swing itself must then manage that conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy in a controlled way that puts the sweet spot in the right place at the right time.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, a batter's swing can be broken down into several stages, some of which are static and some of which are dynamic. While there are many variations in terminology used by different coaches and hitters, these stages can be described as: (1) athletic stance (static—see FIG. 3); (2) load connection (dynamic); (3) athletic load (static—see FIG. 4); (4) swing-plane connection (dynamic); (5) athletic fire (dynamic); and (6) athletic finish (static—see FIG. 5).

The athletic stance is the hitter's stance in the batter's box, and it is the static starting point for the swing. A good athletic stance puts the batter's feet 150 in a comfortable position slightly wider than shoulder width, weight on the balls of the feet. Knees 152 are bent and slightly inside their feet to establish a solid connection with the ground. Elbows 154 and wrists 156 are at 90-degree angles and the knuckles are aligned on the bat 158.

The load connection is the dynamic movement of the batter from their athletic stance to the athletic load in a single fluid motion. The batter brings the bat 158 to a vertical or substantially upright position so that gravity will help pull the bat down into the correct swing-plane, and at the same time strides off the back foot, winding the hips and bringing the knees farther inside of the feet and establishing a compound angle in both ankles. This movement puts the batter into athletic load, ready to instantly initiate a swing if the pitch is a strike.

The swing-plane connection is the dynamic movement that brings the bat 158 into a particular swing-plane based on the location and type of pitch. The swing plane connection is a critical aspect of the swing, incorporating both the upper and lower bodies in coordinated, precise movements. As used here, the swing-plane refers to an imaginary disc shaped plane that reflects the path of the bat through a swing. There are a wide range of common swing-planes that may be used depending on the location and movement of the pitch.

The athletic fire or the swing itself is the dynamic movement of the batter as the bat 158 is brought through the swing-plane. During this phase, the batter's hips and core unwind, arms and hands come through and extend as necessary, wrists and palms rotate over, and the lower body drives off the back foot which has used the firm ground connection established in the athletic load phase. The femur 160 of the back leg is pointing down and the back foot 150 rotates into a deeper compound angle. The front leg 162 is extended straight out at an angle and the foot 150 is firmly planted as the bat 158 comes through the strike zone. The athletic finish is the position of the batter at the end of the swing with their body balanced and ready to push out of the batter's box and down the line toward first base.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 8, in various exemplary embodiments the hitting training device comprises one or more foot blocks 170 that can be used to establish and maintain proper foot, ankle, and lower body position for hitting. As described separately below, such foot blocks 170 can also be used for throwing and fielding training. In various exemplary embodiments, the foot blocks 170 may include a single block cut at various angles, multiple blocks cut at various angles, or one or more blocks attached to a positioning band 172, board 180, or similar device.

In various exemplary embodiments, a foot block 170 comprises a hollow or solid block shaped to rest on the ground or other surface such that when a user places the ball of their foot on the ground or other surface and the rest of their foot on the block 170, it naturally positions the user's knee inside of their foot and puts their ankle into a compound angle. For example, the foot block 170 may be formed with a foot surface 174 that slopes down and in relative to the user's body to put weight on the ball of the foot with the knee inside and the heel off the ground. Reference to the “ground” herein will be understood to include any other surface on which the foot block is placed.

One or more foot blocks 170 may be used to help train batters to adopt a good athletic stance and/or a good athletic load as described herein. A batter can use a single foot block while practicing to establish good rear foot, ankle, and knee position in the athletic stance, with weight on the ball of the foot, a compound angle at the ankle, and knee inside the foot. A batter can use two foot blocks 170 on a positioning band 172 or board 180 to practice load connection and other static positions and dynamic movements. For example, starting with the rear foot on the rear block as described above and the front foot on the band 172, the batter can practice load connection, bringing the front foot into position on the forward foot block 170 in athletic load. The blocks allow the batter to repeat the load connection movement from athletic stance to athletic load repeatedly, developing muscle memory for the correct movement and athletic load positioning.

One or more foot blocks 170 may also be used to help batters with their athletic finish. At athletic finish, the batter's back foot should be on the ball of the foot, toes pointing forward, with the heel up at a sharp angle.

It will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that foot blocks 170 can be created with a wide range of angles to accommodate various stances, swings, sizes, and body types. The angle of the foot surface relative to the ground can vary from greater than zero to nearly vertical, and can incorporate a range of suitable compound angles. In various preferred embodiments, foot blocks 170 for use in establishing proper positioning for initiating action have a foot surface angled between and 10 and 45 degrees from the plane of the ground. Foot blocks 170 with substantially steeper angles may be suitable for other applications such weight transfer or for the athletic finish of a swing as described above and shown in FIG. 5. In various exemplary embodiments, an angled leading edge 177 may be provided to promote good contact between the ball of the foot and the ground and reinforce correct positioning.

Foot blocks 170 as disclosed herein can also be made from almost any solid material, including without limitation wood, plastic, rubber, vinyl, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, foot blocks may have one or more holes passing through the block for use in storing the blocks or affixing them to the ground or any appropriate surface or object. Such holes will also reduce weight without any affect on performance. Foot blocks can be affixed to any surface or object by any suitable fastening means including stakes, screws, nut and bolt, hook and loop, or other fastener.

Referring to FIG. 6, in various exemplary embodiments foot blocks 170 can also be used together and configured such that they can be used while the hitter goes through the entire movement such as a swing of a bat.

The foot blocks 170 position the users toes and balls of their feet on the ground and shape the position of the ankles, knees, and hips to establish correct alignment and angulation. Thus, the foot blocks 170 shape of the neuromuscular system of the hitter to establish a powerful and efficient kinematic chain of movements up through the legs, hips, and core.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, foot blocks 170 can also be used in connection with other training equipment to develop correct body position and movement and lower body and core development for defensive, fielding, or throwing training. Foot blocks can be used to shape the movement of the neuromuscular system. For example, foot blocks can be used in connection with a training ladder 180 to develop proper footwork, positioning, and lower body conditioning. By positioning foot blocks as show in FIGS. 7 and 8, players can be trained to promote proper footwork in moving to field a batted ball and proper body position during the actual fielding of the ball and throwing of the ball. The foot blocks establish proper lower body and core positioning to improve efficiency, speed, and overall mechanics.

The timing of each of part of a batter's swing is critical to consistent hitting, so helping the hitter to understand the timing of various aspects of the hitter's swing can be an important part of hitting training. Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, in various exemplary embodiments a hitting training device comprises a pitch timing system 200. The pitch timing system comprises a pitcher post 202 positioned at the approximate distance of the pitcher's release point from home plate 204.

A pitch line 206 extends from the pitcher post 202 at the approximate height of the release point 208 for the pitch, down to a point on a post or other support mechanism near the position of home plate 204 at a height within or near a typical strike zone so that the pitch line 206 represents an approximate ball path from the release point 208 of the pitcher to the hitting zone. If used with a swing track device 300 as disclosed herein, the pitch line 206 may attach to the forward post 302 of the swing track device 300 at or near the height of the forward spreader bar 304 or to a 3-dimensional strike zone 700. The pitch line 206 can be made of any suitable material including rope, cable, wire, cord, etc.

The pitcher post 202 may be extendable and the attachment mechanism may be any appropriate device such that the pitch line 206 can be affixed at a variety of different heights to simulate different release points 208. In various exemplary embodiments, the pitch line 206 may be attached to the pitcher post 202 by a clip, strap, tie, or any other type of suitable fastener.

One or more balls 116 or other indicators may be attached to the pitch line 206 such that they can be affixed at or moved to various positions on the pitch line 206 to help the hitter understand how to time the different aspects of their swing. As shown in FIG. 10, a pitch can be broken down to identify key phases, including a release point 208 when the pitcher releases the ball, a decision point 210 where the batter must decide whether to swing or take, and a reaction point 214 where the batter must react to make contact the ball. In various exemplary methods, swing timing can be illustrated by placing an indicator such as a ball 116 on the pitch line 206 at a point approximately one-third of the distance from the release point 208 to home plate. This point will be referred to herein as the decision point 210. The space on the pitch line 206 between the release point 208 and the decision point 210 will be referred to as the evaluation section 212. A second indicator or ball 116 may be placed on the pitch line 206 at a point approximately two-thirds of the distance from the release point 208 to home plate 204. This point will be referred to herein as the reaction point 214. The space on the pitch line 206 between the decision point 210 and the reaction point 214 will be referred to as the reaction section 216.

Swing timing can be broken down by relating the various stages of the swing to the points on the pitch timing device as follows. When the pitcher puts his foot on the rubber and sets, the batter adopts the athletic stance in preparation for the pitch. As pitcher initiates the pitching motion, the batter begins the load connection stage, bringing the batter to athletic load just as the ball reaches the pitcher's release point 208. As the ball 116 travels from the release point to the decision point 210, the batter starts the swing-plane connection stage while evaluating the pitch. When the ball reaches the decision point 210, the batter must make the decision to either take the pitch or swing the bat. If the decision is to swing, the batter transitions to the athletic fire stage and completes the swing through to athletic finish. Thus, the placement of the balls 116 or indicators visually breaks up the pitch path into three equal sections that can be associated with different aspects of the batter's swing.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 17, in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention a hitting training device comprises a swing track device 300. A swing track device may comprise one or more swing plane guides 302, which in turn may comprise either contact plane guides or finishing plane guides depending on their positioning relative to the hitter's swing. A contact plane guide is positioned in front of the hitter in the area where contact is made with the ball. A finish plane guide is positioned behind the hitter in the area where the swing follows through or finishes.

Two exemplary configurations of a swing track device are described in detail herein. The first exemplary configuration is a swing track device comprising a contact plane guide and a finishing plane guides (see FIGS. 16 through 17). The second exemplary configuration is swing track device comprising one or more contact plane guides, but without any finishing plane guides (see FIGS. 12 through 15). Both configurations include many of the same elements. It will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that these two configurations and the variations shown herein are exemplary only, and that a wide range of other configurations may be used consistent with the disclosed invention.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a swing track device 300 of the first basic configuration having swing plane guides 302 positioned as both a contact plane guide and a finish plane guide is shown. As illustrated herein, all of the plane guides are supported by two substantially vertical posts 310 that are each firmly anchored to the ground or other surface at the base. Each swing plane guide 302 comprises a plurality of tracks 312 that extend between track bars 314. The tracks of a swing plane guide form a plane that guides the bat path of the hitter, preventing the bat from crossing that plane during the swing. One or more balls 116 may be movably attached to some or all of the tracks.

In this exemplary configuration, each of the track bars 314 is mounted on an extension bar 315, which in turn is mounted on one of the two vertical posts 310. In various exemplary embodiments, the track bars 314 may be mounted to the extension bars using a pin or similar mechanism so that the track bars 314 can be rotated into any orientation relative to the extension bar. The extension bars may be mounted to the vertical posts 310 in either a fixed orientation or using a pin or other structure that allows the extension bars to rotate and/or be moved up and down vertically on the posts 310. This allows the swing plane guides to be moved among a virtually limitless number of variations of position and angle relative to the hitter.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 15, a swing track device 300 of the second configuration having swing plane guides 302 positioned only as contact plane guides is shown. The swing plane guides 302 are supported by two substantially vertical posts 310 that are each firmly anchored to the ground at the base. Each contact plane guide 302, 304 comprises a plurality of tracks 312 extend between track bars 314 mounted on each of the two vertical posts 310. In various embodiments the tracks 312 may be ropes, cords, cables or other lines. One or more balls 118 may be attached to each track 312 in a way that allows the ball to slide along the track. In an exemplary embodiment the balls are wiffle balls threaded on the track such that the track passes through the wiffle ball and the wiffle ball can slide along the track. In various exemplary embodiments, the track bars 314 are mounted at the center of the bar on a pin or similar mechanism so that they can be moved up and down to various heights and rotated into any orientation relative to the posts 310.

In various exemplary embodiments, the tracks 312 are generally pulled tight so that they do not droop significantly between the two track bars 314, and are positioned to run parallel to each other such that if a sheet of material was laid across the tracks it would form a substantially planar surface. If the track bars 314 are both set at the same angle relative to the ground, the tracks 312 will be in a generally flat, planar arrangement and the resulting surface would be a flat, planar surface. Since the disclosed invention does not include a sheet of material, the surface that would be formed by such a sheet of material laid on the tracks will be referred to herein as the track plane although it will be understood that this refers to an imaginary surface or plane formed by the parallel tracks.

If the two track bars 314 are in a horizontal position at the same height, the track plane will be level and in the same orientation as the ground plane. The track plane can be angled up or down on the longitudinal axis of the tracks 312 by raising or lowering the two track bars 314 relative to each other. The track plane can also be angled up or down on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tracks 312 by changing the angle of the two track bars 314 relative to the posts 310. While in most training exercises the track plane will be planar, non-planar track surfaces may also be created by rotating the track bars different amounts to create a twisting or helically shaped swing plane guide.

As shown in FIG. 19, the baseball strike zone is commonly broken up into nine smaller zones to describe specific areas within the strike zone. While the terminology may vary, these nine zones are commonly described with reference to the batter, whether right-handed or left-handed, as comprising three lateral zones—in, middle, and away—and three vertical zones up, middle, and low. Thus a pitch that is high in the strike zone may be described as up and in, up middle, or up and away. Similarly, a pitch in the middle of the strike zone vertically may be describes as middle in, middle middle, or middle away, and a pitch low in the strike zone may be described as low and in, low middle, or low and away.

The swing track device 300 described herein allows the user to position balls 316 on tracks 312 in any desired part of the strike zone so that the user can work on swing mechanics to effectively hit pitches throughout the entire strike zone. In various exemplary embodiments, the track bars 314 are slightly longer than the width of standard home plate such that the tracks 312 can be positioned with the two furthest lateral tracks 312 in the area of the outside edges the strike zone. The tracks 312 in between can be spaced at different positions relative to the center and edges of home plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the training device comprises five (5) equally spaced tracks 312 with the outermost tracks 312 positioned approximately at the two outside edges of home plate, the center track 312 positioned at the center of home plate, and the two remaining tracks 312 equidistant from the outermost and center tracks 312 on either side. This allows the user to position balls 316 laterally over any part of home plate to simulate the ball position for strikes thrown on the outside, inside, and over the middle of home plate. In various exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a representation of home plate on the ground below the tracks.

Various other numbers of tracks 312 and arrangements of the tracks 312 can be used consistent with the invention disclosed herein. For example, a seven (7) track configuration can be set up with the two (2) outermost tracks 312 positioned approximately at the outside edges of home plate, the center track 312 positioned at the center of home plate, and the two remaining tracks 312 on each side spaced equally from each other and form the outermost and center tracks 312. This allows the user to position balls 316 laterally even more precisely over any part of home plate to simulate the ball position for strikes thrown in different parts of the strike zone.

In various exemplary embodiments, the track bars 314 on each post 310 can be moved up and down and fixed in a range of positions and at different angles relative to the posts 310. This allows the user to position balls 316 at different heights within or outside the strike zone, and to alter the track plane such that the swing plane is at any selected angle or orientation. Together with the lateral arrangement of the parallel tracks 312, this allows the user to position balls 316 in any part of the strike zone or even outside the strike zone when appropriate.

In various embodiments, two or more sets of tracks 312 forming discrete track planes may be used to allow for simultaneous placement of balls 316 in different parts of the strike zone or to facilitate exercises to work on different swing planes. In various exemplary configurations, the swing track device 300 can be arranged with a plurality of track planes arranged to create a three-dimensional representation of the strike zone. For example, a swing track device can be set up with a first track plane at the top of the strike zone, a second track plane at the bottom of the strike zone, and two additional track planes positioned to equally divide the space between the top track plane and the bottom track plane. If the track planes each have five (5) tracks, balls 118 can be positioned in each of the nine parts of the strike zone, and at a complete range of locations in front of, over, or past home plate. This ability to place a static ball 118 at virtually any point within the 3D strike zone can be used to help the batter understand the mechanics required to effectively hit pitches in different locations. The batter can then use the swing track device to develop and practice proper swing mechanics for every part of the strike zone.

In various exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may also include a variety of different indicators or reminders to assist in training batters. In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device 300 may include a load connection position indicator 370 that shows and reminds the batter of the proper bat position that needs to be attained during load connection to have a proper athletic load. This load connection position indicator 370 may be shaped to resemble a bat and positioned on the rear post 310 such that it may be set in a wide range of positions and angles. The batter can see this load connection position indicator 370 and it provides a visual reminder and indicator for proper bat position at athletic load.

In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a swing-plane connection indicator to show and remind the batter of the proper bat position as the batter brings the bat from athletic load into the appropriate swing-plane. Such a swing-plane connection indicator may similarly be shaped to resemble a bat and positioned on the rear track bar such that it may be set in a wide range of different positions and angles. The batter can see this swing-plane connection indicator and it provides a visual reminder and indicator for proper bat position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a “stair-step” indicator to show and remind the batter of proper bat position when “stair-stepping” the swing-plane down through the strike zone. Such a stair-step indicator may be shaped to resemble a plurality of bats at different levels that can be fanned out in a stair step type of configuration. The batter can see this stair-step indicator and it provides a visual reminder and indicator for proper bat position.

In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a wrist-turn indicator to show and remind the batter of proper bat position when the batter's wrists roll over into the swing finish. Such a wrist-turn indicator may be shaped to resemble a bat and positioned on the front track bar or extension bar. The batter can see this wrist-turn indicator and it provides a visual reminder and indicator for proper bat position and wrist-turn.

In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a wrist-turn trainer to help train batters how to properly turn their wrists as the bring the bat through to the finish. Such a wrist-turn trainer may comprise a cup-shaped device with a diameter slightly larger than the barrel of a bat. The batter stands in the position they would have as their bat is pointing forward toward the pitcher and places the end of the barrel of the bat into the device, then simply rotates the bat, turning over their wrists as the bat rotates. This forces the batter to smoothly turn their wrists over at the correct point in the swing to set up an athletic finish.

In some exemplary embodiments, the swing track device may include a ball spin indicator 380 that helps the batter understand how a particular swing will impact ball spin and flight. Such a ball spin indicator 380 may comprise a ball shaped object mounted on the end of the front track bar such that it can spin about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spreader bar. This allows the batter to how ball spin is affected by the batter's swing-plane.

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention can be used to develop the batter's swing through all of the most common swing-planes, generally referred to as: (1) level; (2) level staircase; (3) loft; (4) chopping wood; (5) tilt; and (6) tomahawk. The level swing-plane takes the bat through a level path with both ends of the bat at the same height above the ground. The level swing-plane can typically be used to hit pitches in the upper half of the strike zone. The level staircase swing-plane takes the bat through a level path that is adjusted downward as the pitch drops, with both ends of the bat at the same height above the ground though the stair steps. The level staircase swing-plane can typically be used to hit pitches moving downward through the strike zone.

The loft swing plane takes the bat through an upward path with both ends of the bat at the same height above the ground. The loft swing can typically be used to hit pitches up in the string zone. The chopping wood swing-plane is similar to the loft swing-plane but the bat moves through a downward path with both ends of the bat at the same height above the ground through the swing. The tilt swing-plane takes the bat through a tilted path with the handle of the bat higher than the end of the bat throughout the swing and is generally used to hit pitches down and outside in the strike zone. The tomahawk swing-plane is similar to the tilt swing-plane but the handle of the bat is lower than the end of the bat throughout the swing to reach a pitch that is high and outside.

The swing track device 300 disclosed herein can be used in a variety of different ways for training batters. In various exemplary embodiments, it can be used be used to work on specific movements or parts of a swing or the complete swing without actually hitting a ball that is not affixed to the device. This may be referred to as “dry” training to model or practice specific swing movements. This type of training uses various features of the swing track device to model and/or practice each phase of the swing. For example, a swing track device having two contact plane guides may be used for dry training. Home plate may be placed or otherwise marked below the contact guide planes. The batter may take their athletic stance at the correct position relative to home plate, and practice simulated stop-action, slow-motion, or full speed swings at balls 116 on the various different tracks.

In the exemplary illustration of FIGS. 9 through 13 the upper contact plane guide is set for a level swing-plane and the lower contact plane guide is set for a tilt swing-plane. The batter thus can practice their athletic stance, load connection and athletic load, then move into the different swing-plane connections for a level swing-plane or a tilted swing-plane.

The swing track device disclosed herein can also be used in various exemplary embodiments with the batter actually swinging at or close to full speed, with or without striking a ball. For example, the batter can use a standard batting tee to hold a ball slightly above the contact plane guide at a particular point in the strike zone and take a regular swing at the ball. If the batter does not swing correctly, the contact plane guide redirects the batter's bat path into the correct swing-plane. The batter can repeat the same swing until the batter consistently maintains the proper swing-plane. This same method can be used to demonstrate or practice all of the six basic swing planes, allowing the batter to better understand how ball flight is impacted by different swing mechanics.

The track planes themselves are the same as those used in the first configuration with only contact plane guides. In various embodiments the tracks 312 may be ropes, cords, cables or other lines. One or more balls may be attached to each track 312 in a way that allows the ball to slide along the track. In an exemplary embodiment the balls are wiffle balls threaded on the track such that the track passes through the wiffle ball and the wiffle ball can slide along the track.

In any configuration, it will be readily understood that the specific construction of the swing track device disclosed herein is exemplary only. For example, additional vertical posts could be used to support the swing track device, or posts 310 could be replaced by any suitable system for supporting the extension bars and/or the track bars. The vertical posts 310 may be fixed in position using various structures and techniques. For example, the vertical posts can be mounted on anchors affixed to the ground, they can be mounted to a structure such as a concrete structure or a wood block, they may be supported by lines or cables, etc.

All of the various components shown herein may be made from any suitable material. For example, the posts 310, extension bars and track bars may be constructed from plastic, metal, fiberglass, or any other suitable material. These components can be attached together using any suitable material or device.

Referring to FIG. 18, in various exemplary embodiments a bat 500 may be used in connection with the swing track device 300. Bat 500 may be a standard baseball or softball bat in which a slot 502 has been formed. In various exemplary embodiments, the slot 502 extends laterally through the barrel 504 of the bat 500. On a wooden bat the slot 502 is preferably formed below and in a direction lateral to the label 506 such that when the bat is held with the slot 502 in a horizontal direction the bat label is up.

The bat 500 can be used with the swing track device such that during swing training the tracks 312 may pass through the slot 502. This allows the tracks 312 to control the bat path and serve as a guide for the user's swing and prevent the hitter from taking the bat out of the plane formed by the tracks 312. By swinging the bat such that the tracks 312 pass through slot 502, the hitter can improve bat control and all of their related swing movements.

The bat 500 can also be weighted or produced such that it weighs a particular amount to add to the training options. In various exemplary embodiments, the bat 500 may be designed to weigh more than a typical bat. In an exemplary embodiment, the weight of the bat 500 can be between 40 and 50 ounces more than a typical bat for use in a game. This can be accomplished by incorporating weight into the bat 500, or by adding a weight such as a donut weight or hitting jacket to a standard bat such as a 33″ Louisville Slugger.

When such a bat 500 with additional weight is used, the hitter's body is under weighted tension while it swings and has to maintain the desired bat path because the tracks 312 are passing through the slot 512 and keeping it in the swing plane. The slot 512 allows the swing track device 300 to guide bat to the ball once on plane. Such a bat can be used in different weights for one-armed or two-armed drills to strengthen the muscles used to swing and train the neuromuscular system. Such a bat can be used as part of anaerobic exercises to influence muscle development.

Referring to FIG. 19, a three dimensional (3D) strike zone 700 can also be used with the swing track device 300 to visualize every area of the strike zone and provide feedback to the hitter regarding the swing plane relevant to hitting a ball in every area of the strike zone. The 3D strike zone 700 comprises a frame 702 that supports a grid of ropes 704, bars, bungee cords, or other suitable materials in the vertical and horizontal directions. The frame may provide for adjustment of the horizontal elements 706 that define the different areas of the strike zone upward and downward to allow for adjustment for different sized hitters. The frame may also include an attachment mechanism 708 for use with a swing track device 300 or other training device. A 3D strike zone can also be used as front or back pole on a swing track device, or in combination with the poles at either end of the swing track device.

Alone and/or in combination, the various different components disclosed herein can be used to train the neuromuscular system and develop the kinematic chain of movements from the ground through the upper body. This starts from the ground up with the ground force reaction through the balls of the feet, and up through the feet, ankles, knees, hips and torso. Effective ground force reaction depends on correct positioning and orientation of the joints, muscles, and bones that work together for an efficient swing. Such training can generate a swing that is dynamic, efficient, and virtually automatic such that the body performs the necessary movements without thinking which can delay reaction. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training device, comprising: a plurality of track bars mounted to vertical posts; a plurality of tracks extending between the track bars forming a swing plane guide that can be used to guide a batter's swing along a bat path.
 2. A training device of claim 1, wherein movable balls are positioned on one or more of the tracks.
 3. A training device of claim 1, wherein the tracks are made of bungee cord. 